CHELSEA Football Club’s first team could soon be playing in Stoke D’Abernon, if plans to build a football academy on playing fields are approved.

Chelsea Village asked Elmbridge Council for permission to build a two storey building, security lodge and pitches at the Imperial College Sports Ground on Stoke Road after demolishing the existing pavilions and three bungalows.

Chelsea has been using the playing fields as a football academy for the past three or four years — training young footballers aged from nine to 17, who represent the team in matches for their respective age groups against other South East teams.

The academy has also teamed up with the local authorities, schools and youth clubs to train youngsters within the Football in the Community scheme.

Chelsea Village already has planning permission to build a temporary air dome on the site, formerly occupied by the London Hospital, but they are now hoping to get planning permission to knock down two of the existing buildings and replace it with one large football academy.

It would incorporate a clubhouse, medical facilities, an area for parents to sit and a cafeteria.

They are discussing purchasing the land, which they currently rent.

Secretary of Chelsea Village Alan Shaw said: “We want to improve the buildings really because they haven’t been touched for 40 years.

“The area is convenient for us. The access is good because of the railway station on adjoining land and there is good road access.

“Yet it’s fairly remote. There have certainly not been any problems with the neighbours.

“We want to bring our first team down here to train as well.

“They currently train at Harlington but the facilities there are somewhat sub-standard. We believe we can improve the facilities a lot on the Cobham site.

“We also offer Football in the Community. We are pretty active in the local schools. Hopefully we will add something to the area.”

Oxshott and Stoke D’Abernon councillor James Vickers backed the plans as a tremendous opportunity for the area.

“I have met the secretary of Chelsea Village and they have been seriously looking at the fields here for quite some time now,” said Cllr Vickers.

“Since London Hospital amalgamated 50 per cent of the grounds remain greatly unused. This is a tremendous idea they have got to purchase the land.

“They were looking for a place which had good rail and road links and Stoke D’Abernon certainly has that.”

Cllr Vickers is now hoping the plans will be given the go ahead as he believes it will offer huge opportunities for schools and youth clubs.

“It’s an absolutely brilliant enterprise,” he said. “I wish them a lot of luck and I am sure my fellow councillors will support them.

“I think it could be a tremendous opportunity for the youth of today.”

The application will be discussed by the East Area planning sub-committee at a future meeting.